Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve first reading to rezone 4 Corners Winery parcel to allow continued wedding venue operations
Summary
On first reading the board approved rezoning ~11 acres for 4 Corners Winery from rural residential to moderate‑intensity commercial, asking staff to return with a list of permitted uses as stipulations for second reading.
Property owners Mike and his wife asked the board on May 19 to rezone about 11 acres at 294 E. 600 N. in Valparaiso from rural residential to moderate‑intensity commercial so an existing winery and wedding venue can continue operating without recurring variances.
Petitioner Mike Tisma described the site's history: a tasting room in a restored 19th‑century house, a Quonset‑hut wedding venue used since 2017 and an additional building added to support events. He said the operation typically hosts about 30 weddings per year (some recent years reached ~50) and uses local catering and security from the Porter County Sheriff's Office; the venue requires a 1‑day event insurance policy and the petitioner said there have been no major incidents.
Planning staff told the commissioners the plan commission recommended approval by a large margin at its hearing and that staff will work with the petitioner to draft a list of permitted uses and conditions to be considered at second reading. Commissioners included that permitted uses should be precise to protect long‑term expectations for the property if ownership changes.
The board approved rezoning on first reading and asked staff to return with proposed permitted‑use stipulations at second reading. No public opposition was recorded at the hearing.
